Bridge Hotel Werribee

The Bridge Hotel has been pouring on Watton Street since 1923, and its restored art deco rooms now anchor the foodier end of Werribee's main strip. For dog owners the relevant part is outside: the front deck, laneway seating and beer garden all welcome well-behaved dogs on lead, which makes it a solid pub stop in Melbourne's west.

The dog setup

Dogs are welcome across the outdoor areas, on lead and under your control, and the front decking gives them room to settle without blocking foot traffic. Staff are easygoing, but water bowls are not guaranteed at peak times, so bring a travel bowl if the day is warm. Inside the bar and bistro remains people-only.

The vibe

The kitchen turns out elevated pub classics, and the chicken parma is the dish that keeps locals coming back, with schnitzels, calamari and sticky date pudding rounding out the regulars. The drinks list runs wide on craft beer, and there is live music and a pool table for nights that stretch on.

Pepsi: ask for a table on the front deck. It is the calmest of the outdoor areas and keeps your dog out of the laneway foot traffic between the bar and the street.

Getting there and parking

The Bridge is at 197 Watton Street in central Werribee, a short walk from Werribee Station, with street parking on the surrounding blocks. Hours run from midday daily, closing at 10pm Sunday to Wednesday, 11pm Thursday, and later on Friday and Saturday nights.

While you're out there

The Werribee River trails are close by for a walk before or after lunch, with the Civic Centre Reserve Dog Off Leash Area and the Diversion Weir Dog Off Leash Area offering proper off-lead time. On the cafe side, Wolf on Watton is just up the same street.

More options are on the Victoria dog friendly pubs guide and the Werribee destination page.